I woke up in the trash and got adopted by the local trio.

I haven't watched The Sword in the Stone in ages, let alone not knowing if I watched it more than once, so I won't really be drawing on that particular World that much. I'm also, vaguely, kinda sorta pulling from Fate Grand Order Merlin to expand Disney/KH Merlin's personality because of this. So… please forgive me if his characterization is strange. I never planned to use him this extensively, lol. He just showed up and made himself comfortable and I don't know what else to say about it.

-I had to put my kitty to sleep a few days ago, and I'm really not fine right now since I've never not had a cat in my home. My mom's being really weird about it despite dad and I both being a wreck and planning to get another cat at some point, so… yeah. There's...that.

TW: Should I put warnings for Vanitas swearing? IDK. It's gonna happen at least once per chapter. -shrugs-

Please R&R!

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Vanitas laid on his back in the grass, the sky a warm sunset as he stared up at the fading blue. It was an odd pocket World Merlin seemed to have at his disposal. No people, manipulated time, and a lot of him cussing the (sometimes) old Wizard out.

Admittedly, he had learned a respectful fear of the man after he'd transformed into his true present form, appearing as a young man with white wispy hair, extravagant robes, and blue-grey eyes that demanded too much attention.

It was unnerving, seeing that bumbling old fool become a regal individual of considerable respect (still physically weak though, despite the fancy sword he randomly brandished). His aura alone was sometimes enough to cow him into at least respecting his instruction, especially once Merlin had proven that he wouldn't go out of his way to torture him if he messed up- on purpose or not.

That, and clearly the man wasn't an absolute fanatic of 'Only Light belongs in this universe, cull all Darkness' thoughtline of the Wielders of old. That in particular helped him ease into his newfound training regiment and instruction. The Wizard had started him on completely different exercises then what he was used to, and learned just how damaged his body had become from Xehanort and death both.

He had yet to see Hayner, Pence, and Olette since his new apprenticeship. School, homework, and Vanitas's own unwillingness to see them after the display he'd made kept him scarce.

But it was comforting to know they asked about him, and had even passed along a few letters about their days.

Not that he should care, despite finding himself doing so against his better judgement. Caring brought a different sort of pain, after all.

He closed his grey eyes and concentrated on his breathing.

The biggest challenge Vanitas faced was the lack of release for his Unversed. They were still there within him, but other than causing him excruciating back pain as they tried to come out, the only other sign that they were there was a vague wisping off of his back.

"I believe it's because you were given a complete body with that Replica."

"...But I died in the Graveyard. The body fell into ruin and my Heart returned to the past none-the-wiser to the events of the future."

"Precisely! The body was left behind here, awaiting your Heart's return to recomplete it! You are an unusual existence after all."

"I still released Unversed, though."

Merlin hummed and rubbed his chin, "Perhaps then, it is your Heart that has healed extensively without your notice. I will claim no further, but perhaps, a journey to your Heart is in order?"

He focused on each part of his body. From the tips to his toes to the scalp of his head, he focused on every part of his body extensively. He was learning about this form and shape he carried now as his alone.

Sora had been missing for a year, after all.

Somehow, Vanitas knew he was still out there, alive.

A small, tiny thread connected them.

Brothers.

Vanitas opened his eyes, and found himself standing on his Heart Station.

This was nothing new. He'd ended up on that broken glass, that disgusting form of his Heart plenty of times while training.

He certainly came close to death on a regular basis.

But this was merely Sleep. Sleep was close enough to death, really.

He took in a deep breath and moved his gaze across the stained glass. Slowly, his eyes widened as he realized it was an even surface.

There were cracks still- he was certainly not without his scars, but compared to when he had first arrived under Merlin's care, his Heart had considerably transformed. He willed himself upwards, to see the entire surface for what it now was. Immediately his eyes were drawn to the halo of circles around his head, and found them empty, blank and ready to slowly color them with new images.

The image of the graveyard was still there, present with its tainted sky of destruction and littered with Keyblades.

That place defined him, imprinted on him like no other.

He had an inkling the waves of destruction, as if from a terrifying orb that heralded a World's end, was familiar and suitable.

The Unversed symbol took the place of his outer circlets, which also suited him just fine. They were him, and he was them.

Many, innumerable, without their own conscious "voice."

But he was special.

He had become separate.

Vanitas shook his head roughly and took in a deep calming breath before settling his hand over his chest.

He would continue changing, while the rest stayed the same.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Merlin's eyes widened, "Oh my, perhaps I should return at a later time?"

Yen Sid smirked as he held counsel with Aqua, Terra, and Ventus in his study. They had just returned from the Realm of Darkness as per his request, and he was updating them on the state of affairs. (It had taken some time to locate them, since Mickey was the only one capable of journeying down there to retrieve them with the news Kairi and Riku had obtained.)

However, he had been surprised at the news of Merlin's new (unnamed to present company) apprentice. The cryptic information he received from his old friend, compared to the information obtained from Lea, Isa, Roxas, and Xion was rather… Well. It was a mixed bag, that was for certain. Like water used for mopping floors, it was a little too murky for Yen Sid's taste.

It was fitting that Merlin had finally come out of his hermitage to give him proper counsel while Merlin's ward's most personal enemies were in his presence.

"I do believe you have some interesting news to speak of, Merlin."

The old Wizard slouched with a disgruntled frown before straightening up with a vague smile, "Yen Sid, I may not have ever been a Wielder, but I am well acquainted with unruly lots. I did, after all, raise a peasant boy into a legendary King of the ages, spoken of far and wide even long into the distant future as a Hero unsurpassed despite his tragedies."

Yen Sid sighed with a roll of his eyes as he returned his gaze to the three Wielders, "Master Aqua, Terra, Ventus, you three know the boy named Vanitas most personally, do you not?"

Ventus's eyes widened in shock as he stiffened in silence, while Terra and Aqua reacted in angry defense as the two spoke in unison, "Vanitas!?"

Aqua strode two steps forward before slapping her hands on Yen Sid's desk, "Why would you mention him?!" She looked towards Merlin for a moment before shifting her gaze back to Yen Sid, "He's tried to kill us several times! We finished him in the Keyblade Graveyard! Have the Unversed returned!?"

Terra crossed his arms in displeasure, awaiting an answer from Yen Sid.

Ventus slowly eased, staring at the ground for a long and contemplative moment with a frown on his face before speaking softly, "Has he come back or something?"

Aqua clenched her fists and teeth as Yen Sid raised a placating hand, "So it would seem."

Ventus furrowed his brows in silent question as he raised his head, while Aqua sucked in a breath, "Where is he!? He can't be let free to loose the Unversed everywhere! Is… is that part of why you brought us back? To track him down and take care of the Unversed?"

Yen Sid sighed internally as he spoke in gentle authority, "Master Aqua."

She gasped softly and took two steps back before standing at attention as she bowed slightly, "I apologize."

Yen Sid waved his hand passively, "It's alright. It is a concerning matter, but no. There are no Unversed." This calmed them into relaxing their stances while still at attention, "It would seem our old adversary has reappeared in the Worlds… but I am not entirely sure of the details. I have no desire to spread falsehoods, but it would seem three children from Twilight Town have become quite attached to him despite their short time in contact."

Aqua gasped softly while Ventus pursed his lips before asking, "Was it Roxas's friends?"

Yen Sid nodded sagely as he ran his fingers through his beard, "Yes. That is precisely why I would like to question Merlin about the boy's whereabouts."

All eyes shifted to the annoyed Wizard who had haplessly teleported himself into Yen Sid's study. He took out a kerchief and wiped his brow, "Truly, is this how you treat an old friend, Yen Sid?"

Yen Sid chuckled, "Only when it is warranted."

Merlin shook his head and put away the piece of cloth, "Well then. From what I understand Vanitas simply appeared out of nowhere, and three children, Hayner, Pence, and Olette, found him and took him to Hayner's home to get cleaned up. After that the boy Hayner gave him new clothes and fed him before Lea, Isa, Roxas, and Xion came to Hayner's home in concern since it had been planned for them to meet at the Old Mansion. Vanitas became ill from an unknown myriad of causes, and I was retrieved to help with the... situation." He rubbed his chin, "Have you ever seen someone vomit darkness? A rather odd and terrible mess that was. Xion was rather concerned for Vanitas's well being along with the three Twilight Town children, and I chose then and there to train him. His body is riddled with damage from Xehanort that's soul deep." He glanced over them all, "He has some privileges, but he mostly stays within my protected realm to retrain himself under my watch."

Aqua fidgeted, swallowing before bursting out, "But Merlin, he's a danger to the Worlds!"

Merlin huffed, "Do you think me daft, girl?" Aqua stiffened before pulling back silently in shame, "He is incapable of releasing those demons of his. They attempt to claw out of him, further harming his body, but they stay captive within. Whatever is going on with Vanitas, I plan to study it and find out. For his safety and wellbeing as well as that of the Worlds." He turned his gaze to Yen Sid, "Hayner, Pence, and Olette give me letters to pass along to him. I know not if he reads them, but he keeps them. He is pragmatic and irritable. His personality is poor, but he is studious. He has improved physically and mentally in this one mere week, I dare say, then his entire time under Xehanort's tutelage. Without the use of his Keyblade."

Yen Sid hummed in contemplation, "Can the boy still Wield?"

Merlin smirked, "Oh yes, quite certainly. He summons it plenty, but I have disabled enough of his abilities to force him to learn how to Cast without it. He doesn't much like the concept of a dinky little wand," He chuckled conspiratively in exasperation while shaking his head, "But after the little devil blasted an entire cliffside to smithereens with a fire spell, he decided it was good enough."

Yen Sid shook his head, thinking of the mischief King Mickey got up to while under his tutelage. Flooding his Tower was but one of his many misadventures. "I will have to trust your judgement, Merlin. There is much to teach this new generation that was left lost before or unsaid by Master Eraqus. I cannot fault the man, but even these three are lacking in certain areas of knowledge despite their proper tutelage."

Ventus fidgeted awkwardly, more than aware of how strange his own lessons had been compared to Aqua and Terra. Sure, they had acknowledged something off, but Master Eraqus had been good at inhibiting his teaching in broad daylight while seemingly catching him up to the other two. He didn't know where the knowledge came from, but Ventus had recalled and done more by instinct than anything else to keep up his pace with the other two.

Aqua and Terra loved the Master too much to truly understand what had happened, though perhaps, Terra understood more. The conversation that had led to Master Eraqus's death more than likely made him aware of the disparity.

It had been easy to write things off as related to amnesia before everything fell apart, but now it was a different story.

Terra placed his hands on his hips in thought, "What sort of knowledge would the Master have kept from us?"

"Knowledge about The Darkness, its place in the Worlds. How it creeps into the Heart. He was immovable on his stance of teaching when it came to that subject. Tell me, what did he teach you children about it?"

Aqua became increasingly anxious and withdrawn while Ventus simply shrugged. Terra clenched a fist over his chest as he lowered his other hand, "To push away the darkness and not allow it to have any quarter in your Heart. It is the source of all evil in the Worlds, and only destroys."

Yen Sid leaned back into his seat with a sigh as he closed his eyes. Aqua softly spoke as she clasped her hands in front of her tightly, "The Fairy Godmother… she told me that it was dangerous to fight the darkness with light, that light and darkness go hand in hand. Where strong light is cast, so are equally dark shadows. I couldn't fully understand her words back then… and maybe I still don't. Ever since I was overtaken by the darkness during my long journey… I've become even more confused and lost about what it is, and its purpose in the Worlds."

Yen Sid hummed, "Yes. Good and bad, bad and good. Each is merely a perception. Those of us who carry the Light see Darkness as a terrible and blighting evil to be removed. Yet, in some Worlds, that very same darkness brings about order and stability to its denizens. Whether it is for their own good, or to their detriment, it is not for those of us who Wield to determine, but for that World to sort out on its own." He combed his beard, "There are Seven Princesses of Light. Yet, Ventus here is a Heart of Pure Light, which goes against the balance and Order of the Worlds. So then, would not the Worlds deign to tip that inequity back into balance with a Heart of Pure Darkness?"

Their eyes widened as Terra exclaimed, "So you're saying The Worlds chose to bring Vanitas back!?"

Yen Sid closed his eyes before folding his hands on his desk, "I cannot speak for the Worlds, for they have no voice of which to speak. But from what I have observed, as far as I can discern, that may perhaps be what has transpired." He looked over them all, but made pointed eye contact with Aqua and Terra, "So long as Vanitas does not actively harm the Worlds, he is to be left alone. You may not seek him out to question or detain him." He shifted his attention to Ventus, "And what say you, since his origin lies with you, Ventus?"

The blond pursed his lips in stressed contemplation. He had wanted Vanitas to be more- more than darkness. More than a tool as an end means for Xehanort's plan.

Vanitas had proclaimed to be Darkness. That it was all that he was. Perhaps Vanitas was right- who was Ventus to say differently, when it was plain to so many others that he himself was Pure Light? They hadn't made the choice to be that way, but Vanitas had embraced the truth of his existence.

Ventus took in a deep cleansing breath as he stared hard at the floor, and thought of Sora's immediate concern for Vanitas in the Keyblade Graveyard even though he shouldn't have had any reason to care about his other half. "It's what Sora would have wanted, it's what I want." He met Yen Sid's eyes, "I'll trust in Merlin's wisdom, for Vanitas's sake." As well as his own.

Yen Sid smiled while Aqua and Terra gave their friend concerned looks. Aqua shifted to face Ventus, "...Are you really sure, Ven?"

Ventus looked at her with confidence, "Yeah."

She sighed while returning to her previous stance, "I see." She met Yen Sid's eyes for confirmation before turning to Merlin, "Then we will leave Vanitas in your care. However, I do request that you keep us up to date on his progress and overall behavior."

Merlin stared her down with a stoic nod, "Well of course. That is simple enough for me to do. If that is all, I will be on my way, Yen Sid."

Yen Sid nodded and waved his hand, "Of course, far be it from me to keep you from your tea."

Merlin scrunched his face with a huff and stamped his foot, "Tea is good for the mind and soul. Perhaps you should drink it more often!" He flung his wand and poofed out in an extravagant shower of glitter, startling Aqua and surprising Terra. Ventus was fascinated for a moment before turning to Yen Sid.

The blond couldn't help but ask, "...Is it really alright, Yen Sid?"

The old Wizard smiled kindly, "I would not allow it if I thought it too dangerous, Ventus."

Ventus slumped slightly before bowing his head, "...Despite how badly Sora and Riku's Mark of Mastery exam went?"

Yen Sid's goodwill bled out of him, "That was most certainly my error, made in just a little too much confidence as well as being incapable of understanding Xehanort's grander scheme until it was far too late. I will not allow such a thing to happen under my watch again."

Ventus nodded before straightening up with a small smile, "Alright, thank you."

Yen Sid nodded, "If that is all, you three are dismissed. Return to your home, rest, and catch up with Kairi and the others. I will contact you when I hear of more news, whether it is about Sora or Vanitas both."

The three nodded and bowed slightly, "Yes sir!"

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Merlin was in a fine mood (ie: pissed) when he returned to the apartment, mumbling to himself and chomping on a horrifyingly (familiar) blue popsicle that was quickly staining his beard. It made Vanitas's stomach roll as he grimaced at the sight of it.

Merlin glanced over and choked on the thing, proving how hazardous it was while pounding his chest before croaking, "Vanitas, my boy! You've returned!"

Vanitas raised his eyebrow while leaning back in his chair with a slump, "I finished for the day."

He'd gotten hungry and had been desperately trying to figure out what to eat, but that was now out the window.

Becoming more whole and more of a person sucked.

Merlin cleared his throat, "Well, why don't you try some Sea Salt Ice Cream?" He held out the bar for reference and Vanitas's face scrunched in disgust as he pulled away from it.

"No thanks."

Merlin smirked to himself as he pulled it back, "I see, well, perhaps trying a different ice cream flavor would be more to your liking? Hayner, Pence, and Olette rather enjoy eating this particular flavor while hanging out around town, so being offered ice cream is inevitable with those children. Isa, Lea, Xion, and Roxas also enjoy this flavor quite a bit."

Vanitas stuck out his tongue as disgust continued to color his features, "I'll look into it." He recalled the bar's flavor being mentioned in their letters.

He'd better try out his options so that he didn't look like a total moron in front of them again

Why'd he even care, anyway!?

"Oh yes, I must unfortunately mention that Master Aqua, Terra, and Ventus have been informed about our situation while being updated on what's happened while they've been away. I much would have preferred silent counsel with Yen Sid first to pass along the news, but my timing can be… impeccable."

What he meant was that it was terrible.

"Right. So, when should I expect those goody two-shoes to show up and try to end my existence?"

Merlin coughed lightly into his hand while glancing away, "Yen Sid and I have decided to have faith in you, and we have insisted upon your protection. You're safe as my ward."

Merlin's actions were suspect, but Vanitas wasn't one to trust anyway.

"Fine." Vanitas stretched languidly before rocking onto his feet, "I'm gonna take a walk."

Merlin balked for a second before straightening his expression, "Are you sure?"

Vanitas gave him a tired look, "What, afraid I'll cause some trouble?"

Merlin gave him a flat look of annoyance as he straightened up, the years falling away as his true appearance came through. His elaborate robes seemed to simply appear in bands of thread that knit together as they slid into place over his shoulders, "Vanitas. You have been in my care for a week, and while I do not expect trust, I thought you could at least believe in a truce. A mutual agreement of will… or can't you?"

Vanitas grimaced as his gaze slid away from Merlin to the door. He was silent, unsure and unable to speak for a drawn out moment before Merlin sighed softly, tossing a pouch at him with a clean hand, as his other was covered in ice cream drippings. "Go enjoy yourself and get acquainted with the town. The citizens here will have to get used to you, and hopefully with any luck, no one will mistake you for Sora… but if they do, do not get mad at them. They barely saw the boy as it was, and many people miss him."

Vanitas swallowed sourly as he stared down at the pouch of munny in his hand bitterly. A ball had formed in his throat at the mention of Sora, though where that abrupt sadness came from, he wasn't sure.

He had no reason to miss Sora.

Maybe Ventus really was still connected to him.

He took in a deep breath and silently exhaled, "Fine." He shoved the coin purse into his pocket and strutted out of his home for the past week. He shoved balled hands into his pockets as he vigilantly looked back and forth as he walked. His muscles were tense as he took in the world around him with all of his senses.

Teenagers walking around, some in uniform and others not. Some kids playing. Birds, cats, and dogs roaming or making noise. It was a lot to take in after the tranquility of Merlin's special pocket world where he trained.

His Keyblade hummed on his right, at the ready to be brought out.

The wand Merlin had granted him, a simple coned stick colored gunmetal grey, was also a humming comfort by his left hand. He sniffed before smirking to himself in disbelief.

When had he become so anxious about the World? Hadn't he been raised to conquer and destroy it?

Yet, it was all he had to live in. No one to please as a weapon for a greater purpose. He was his own.

He was alone.

The smirk died and his face turned blank and cold once more.

The sun shifted, but it enjoyed its place at a point of sunset. The sky was hardly ever truly blue here- light or dark. Just oranges and reds. He wasn't sure if he cared for the warm tones always basking the town, but it did make figuring out the time of day a little frustrating.

"Hey!" A voice that was almost familiar called from the distance behind him, making him pause for half a step before continuing onward. The voice called again louder, "HEY! VANITAS!" He nearly tripped and turned, his teeth bare as Vanitas yelled back, "WHAT!?"

Hayner was frozen with his hand up in a paused wave in shock from the gruffness of his voice, but Vanitas didn't care. Wasn't yelling supposed to be rude?

Pence appeared at the top of the hill huffing and puffing as he waved weakly, "Hey Vanitas! Long time... no see!"

The phrase made his skin crawl for some reason. A blue spiny creature came to mind.

He couldn't help but state gruffly, "It's been a week."

Olette finally caught up to the two boys and put her hands on her hips as she side eyed them in disappointment. Hayner flinched while Pence chuckled while responding to him, "A week's a long time to not see someone you care about, Vanitas."

Vanitas frowned before glancing away with a reluctant shrug, "I guess."

Pence led the other two as they met up with Vanitas, "We were gonna go to our favorite spot after getting some ice cream. Wanna join?"

Vanitas grimaced, "Maybe another time."

Olette shifted and bent into his space with her hands behind her back, "Do you not like ice cream?"

Vanitas took a half step away from her, "I don't want that blue shit."

Olette's mouth dropped open in surprise before she giggled, covering her mouth as she pulled back, "You don't have to get the same flavor as us if you don't want to."

Vanitas went to speak, but his stomach chose that moment to make a loud noise, surprising them all and embarrassing The Darkling further. His face turned red in shame, "...I haven't eaten."

They shared mutual surprise while Hayner shifted forward and slung his arm across Vanitas's shoulders. Vanitas glared at the sandy blond, but Hayner plowed onwards while pointing in a specific direction, "Then let's eat! Scrooge's place is the best, and Little Chef makes the best dishes you could ever eat in Twilight Town!"

Pence glanced at his stomach and rubbed it while licking his lips, "Definitely."

Olette rolled her eyes before giving Vanitas a pleased look, "My family and I go there at least once a week for dinner. It really is great, with many options to choose from!"

Vanitas couldn't help but realize having a choice of his own was more trouble than he expected.

Vanitas relented in annoyance, "Alright."

The three looked to one another happily before Hayner started to cart him off. Vanitas shoved his arm off, disbalancing him as Hayner flailed to compensate for his abrupt shift in center gravity. Once balanced, Hayner laughed and bumped shoulders with Vanitas before Pence came on his other side. Olette was smiling as Pence spoke, "I'll tell you about all of my favorite dishes, Vanitas. Don't worry."

Vanitas frowned as he looked at Pence with furrowed brows, Had he looked worried?

Olette nodded, "We can all tell you what we like, but only our absolute favorite dish."

Pence lit up, "Wait! Why don't we just order them and let him try them?"

Olette clapped her hands together, "That sounds like a great idea!"

Vanitas rolled his eyes, "Just tell me your favorite two dishes and I'll pick one you three don't."

They looked at him in surprise before nodding happily.

xXx-xXx-awaken-xXx-xXx

Vanitas clenched the bag of his leftovers in an iron grip, full of anxiety as he stared up at the Ice Cream parlor's sign. Hayner, Pence, and Olette had gone in and promised they'd bring out something for him to try so long as it wasn't Sea Salt, but he still wasn't sure he'd like anything from this sugary sweet place.

Was he afraid of liking ice cream?

He was an idiot.

He abruptly exhaled heavily with a slump, exasperated, before straightening and turning his back to the parlor.

This was stupid! He should just go back to Merlin's and train!

Olette's voice broke through his thoughts, "Sorry that took so long!" Vanitas turned to her and noted the white bag, heavy with ice cream, "We kind of had a hard time choosing!" She laughed softly in embarrassment as Hayner and Pence came out beside her. Hayner was pouting with his arms crossed and a sour look on his face, while Pence was his usual peaceful self.

Vanitas shrugged as he fought the urge to gravitate towards Pence's tranquil energy.

Hayner brightened, "So! Should we go to our usual spot?"

Pence nodded, "Sounds great to me!"

Olette hummed, contemplating for a moment before nodding, "Yeah, that sounds fine." She turned to Vanitas and tilted her head in a specific direction as they all started walking, "There's a little spot we like to hang out in. It's not the cleanest place, being outside and all, but it's a place where we can be away from other people and not really be bothered. It is a little noisy because the trams run nearby, but it's peaceful enough."

Vanitas nodded slightly before looking ahead towards the other two boys as they walked. Humans were so strange and simple. Simple days, doing simple things. Common, repetitive motions.

Though, he too had repetition.

Miserable, body-breaking, mind-destroying repetition.

Olette raised a finger in thought to her chin, "There's also the clocktower where we like to watch the sunset and eat ice cream. A bit dangerous- well, dangerous for us since it's so high up that you can even see the sea in the distance, but… That's a special place for us too." She smiled at him congenially, "Maybe someday we'll be able to all eat ice cream there together!"

He knew it was not just him involved in that 'all.' It was nearly tangible to the touch.

"Ah." He simply nodded. Vanitas simply didn't have anything to contribute to their conversations.

He'd never watched a movie, or eaten a large variety of foods. He didn't know what it was like to play with others instead of toying and fighting with them. He'd certainly never experienced school.

He was warped, but that was what was natural for him. He intrinsically knew he could never truly fit in with humanity.

He was the only one who'd-

Vanitas roughly shook his head with clenched eyes, confusion swirling as a flash of pink and petals trickled into his mind's eye. He froze and turned towards a potted planter, flowers of pinks, purples, and oranges within it. Olette paused and looked at the large planter with confusion, "Something the matter, Vanitas?"

He felt his chest constrict and a cold sweat break out on his skin. He snapped his eyes to hers and made himself calm down, "No."

Olette pursed her lips with concern on her face, but she nodded and smiled at him awkwardly, "Alright. We'd better get moving before this all melts." She waved the bag for reference and started walking again. He stayed planted there as she took the lead before he followed after her, coming to her side and walking in step.

He couldn't help but realize that he'd never walked in step with someone else before. Xehanort's little theatrics were entirely staged and unnatural, whereas this was a different form of human bonds.

Bonds were small things, big things, everyday pieces that fell into place without notice until they were gone.

Hayner and Pence entered a tall gated hole in the wall, and Olette skipped a step forward while motioning him in. He followed them, and slowed to a stop as he looked around their little dump.

Because that's really what it was. An old dart board, canisters of questionable substance. A dirty couch and blanket. Papers and the smell of oil and something else that was questionable.

It was oddly cozy, and he found himself settling on the end of the couch as Olette occupied the other half. She handed out familiar blue colored bars to the boys before turning to him and pulling out the last two.

One was white with tiny black speckles, the other was dark brown.

She smiled, "These are french vanilla and dark chocolate. The vanilla's a bit sweeter, where dark chocolate is a bit more bitter and sweet. Go ahead and choose which one you'd like to try!"

Vanitas stared between the two quickly, his eyes bouncing back and forth in a mild panic.

He was naturally inclined towards the dark one, yet he found himself reaching forward and taking the white one from her fingers. Her eyes widened for only a second before she grinned, "Great choice! I actually really like vanilla the best, but there's just something about Sea-Salt Ice Cream that makes me come back for more." She started unwrapping the dark chocolate one as he hesitantly began to do the same with the vanilla.

"...Is it really okay that I took this one?" Why was he even asking?

Olette blinked with a questioning hum, the ice cream she'd been left with already in her mouth as she bit into it. She covered her mouth with a hand while making eye contact with him, swallowing after a moment, "I like this flavor too. Sometimes it's nice to have something a little less sweet."

Hayner scoffed, "Isn't it also because you're a girl?"

Olette turned on a dime with angry annoyance on her face, "Excuse me!?"

Pence immediately raised his hands passively, "Hey hey now, I like chocolate too, Hayner! That's not just a girl thing!"

Hayner stuck out his tongue while leaning back on a hand haughtily, snapping a bite from his bar of Sea Salt and grumbling with it in his mouth, "That's like, the main reason mom has chocolate in the house. For that time, y'know?"

Pence covered his face, stuck between trying to figure out if Hayner just loved randomly pissing off Olette, or if he was being weirdly showy. He didn't know which it was, but Olette was quickly turning red and he now regretted his seating choice.

Because he'd let Olette have a shot at Hayner, and Pence knew she'd win.

Vanitas carefully tested the bar he'd taken as the little show he was about to witness went on. He smirked a little, enjoying the fact the two were fighting (friendship couldn't be all sunshine and rainbows), before the smirk fell off his face.

"What's the deal with girls and chocolate?"

Void. Fucking. Damn his mouth.

The three kids paused, all eyes on him as he immediately felt anger and embarrassment in warring measure. He could even feel his face flushing with humiliation!

Olette cleared her throat as she settled into a more proper sitting position, feeling awkward as Hayner and Pence waffled even more awkwardly. Clearly their new friend was a lot like Xion and Roxas in his obliviousness of the Worlds and how people worked, so she settled into giving as simple an explanation that she could handle. Olette gave one final glare to the sandy blond before smiling kindly at Vanitas, "Well, I'm not gonna ask or assume what you know about girls or people's bodies... But simply put, there's an odd connection and societal joke that girls eat copious amounts of chocolate while on their periods. That's all."

Vanitas blinked, thought about asking further, decided he definitely wouldn't do that, and nodded. "Got it." He shifted his gaze to his ice cream and shoved more in his mouth.

If he was eating he couldn't ask dumb ass questions, right?

Olette relaxed slightly before eating another bite of her ice cream, while the other boys awkwardly got back to eating theirs.

Eventually their conversations picked up again, as Vanitas licked his lips of the remnant flavor of vanilla before it became dark enough to signal dusk, bringing their hangout to an end.

They made their way out, and just as Vanitas departed from them, he looked back just in time to see Olette kick Hayner in the shin as he yelped and hopped in pain while Pence shook his head. Olette planted her hands on her hips proudly while verbally reaming him out for being insensitive.

Vanitas smirked, shaking his head before returning to Merlin's place with the thought at the forefront of his mind to ask the Wizard for some materials on the human body so he wouldn't have to ask anymore humiliating questions like that again.

It was that night, as he lay in bed dozing, that he started to fall into deep enough sleep to begin Dreaming.